Audi debuts the Q3 SUV

Don't suggest the Audi Q3 is an expensive VW Tiguan. Audi doesn't like it. Besides, it's not at all true. Even though the Q3 sub-compact SUV is built off the same platform as the Tiguan, the Audi has substantially more creature features, driving aids, saf

Pricing is yet to be announced, but Hagen says it will be "very competitive with the X1". Five models are available but no decision has been made on which ones we will get. "We will likely take all," says Hagen. There are two diesels, including an entry m

There are also three petrol models, all with quattro drive with a high-powered manual as a hero car. "We need a hero car in every segment," says Hagen. He believes the 2.0-litre TDI Quattro S tronic will represent half of their Q3 sales and the 2.0-litre

Audi design boss Stefan Sielaff has remained true to his corporate brief with the single-frame grille, swooping roof line, almond-eye LED daytime running lights, large air inlets and muscular bonnet shape. The overall effect is slightly frumpy compared wi

A wrap-around tailgate means the stunning V-shaped LED taillights are unbroken and there is more space to access the luggage area for loading items such as a mountain bike; something customers requested, says Duelfer.

Inside, there is the typical Audi high "horizon" line interior for a feeling of being immersed in the environment. It has the latest three-spoke steering wheel which is actually four spokes because the bottom spoke is divided into two, except in the S Lin

Among an array of options, Audi 'drive select' is available across all powerplants.

Other comfort and convenience choices include park assist for the Q3 to park itself, side assist and lane assist to help change lanes, sports seats, on-board computer and panoramic glass roof.

In Europe it will be offered with four, four-cylinder engine options - all two litres, all turbocharged, the choice of petrol or diesel power and outputs ranging from 103kW to 155kW.

Audi says this is a premium SUV with top-shelf engineering from body through drivetrains, driver assistance systems and multi-media systems

AUDI showed it's Q3, the German company’s move into the compact SUV segment at this year's Shanghai Auto Show.

This new all-roader goes on sale in Europe in June but isn't expected on the Australian market for another 12 months.

Four engine options, two transmissions and a front-drive only version are destined for some markets with Australian specifications and pricing to be determined closer to launch, but expect pricing somewhere in the mid-$40,000s with rival BMW's X1 starting at $43,500.

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Taking on Audi's established SUV design cues - single frame grille, sweeping, coupe-like roofline - the Q3 is a bit shorter, lower, wider and lighter than the Q5.

Base, front-drive versions, roll out at less than 1500kg; it's 4.39m long, 1.83m wide and 1.6m high. Ground clearance is 170mm and the wagon sits on 16-inch or 17-inch wheels.

Audi says this is a premium SUV with top-shelf engineering from body through drivetrains, driver assistance systems and multi-media systems - "a versatile companion for everyday life with an urbane character".

In Europe it will be offered with four, four-cylinder engine options - all two litres, all turbocharged, the choice of petrol or diesel power and outputs ranging from 103kW to 155kW. There the 103kW diesel (the last to arrive) will be front-wheel drive only with six-speed manual transmission.

That same gearbox is also used for the 125kW petrol engine. Both petrol engines, plus the 130kW diesel, arrive with quattro permanent all-wheel drive.

The 130kW diesel and 155kW petrol engines use Audi's seven-speed S tronic gearbox with steering wheel paddles part of the deal. And among an array of options, Audi 'drive select' is available across all powerplants - allowing a driver to select between comfort, auto, dynamic and efficiency modes, varying throttle and steering responses.

Other comfort and convenience choices include park assist for the Q3 to park itself, side assist and lane assist to help change lanes, sports seats, on-board computer and panoramic glass roof.

AUDI Q3